Helping clients identify triggers involves:

  • Journaling: Encourage clients to keep a journal documenting their panic attacks, including the circumstances, thoughts, and feelings leading up to each episode. This can help identify patterns or specific triggers.
  • Exploration in Session: Use session time to explore clients’ experiences around the time of their panic attacks, asking open-ended questions to dig deeper into their thoughts and feelings.
  • Behavioural Analysis: Conduct a functional analysis of the panic attacks by examining the antecedents, behaviours, and consequences associated with each episode. This can clarify triggers and context for the client.